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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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107 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(242)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
Saint James French Diner is a real gem in downtown San Diego, serving up a blend of French and American cuisines. Reviewers rave about the authentic French experience, with comments like 'Flavorful food, well-priced, and the menu has a variety of options to choose from' and 'A must-visit'. The food is consistently described as delicious and the ambiance, with its vintage details, is often referred to as beautiful and charming. It's the perfect place for a date night or a night out with friends and family.
A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.0
Excellent(296)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1761)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(81)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza
A photo of Osteria Panevino restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1746)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Osteria Panevino is the oldest restaurant in all of the Gaslamp Quarter that features the best Italian cuisine that San Diego has to offer, winning the gold awards for best family restaurant in San Diego, and best Italian Cuisine in San Diego that will surely have your taste buds blown away. Our world renowned chef, Vincenzo Lo Verso, has spent over 25 years perfecting his Sicilian recipes, following age-old family traditions that have withstood the test of time. Stop by and surround yourself in a rustic, Tuscan ambience as chef Vincenzo takes you on a culinary adventure of a lifetime.
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(939)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Bandar Restaurant is considered authentic due to its unique use of Persian spices and original recipes. Reviewers highlight the 'authentic', 'family-run' and 'best' food. The Persian dishes such as 'Ghormeh Sabzi' and 'Shirazi Salad' are favorites among the patrons. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted to be 'much better than what one sees from the outside', suggesting a genuine, traditional setting.
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1361)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(497)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1373)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 76 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(866)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 75 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Downtown San Diego is a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse array of authentic dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you're searching for the rich flavors of fresh seafood, the refined tastes of French cuisine, or the bold spices of Persian dishes, Downtown San Diego has something to offer. Each restaurant in this vibrant area prides itself on delivering not only high-quality food but also an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Patrons can expect excellent service, beautifully crafted ambiance, and a commitment to authentic, locally-sourced ingredients. From the bustling Gaslamp District to the scenic views at Portside Pier, the authenticity of each eatery is evident in the rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike. This collection of restaurants in Downtown San Diego truly embodies the spirit of authenticity, making each dining outing a unique and memorable event. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, these authentic dining spots in Downtown San Diego are not to be missed.

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